Magnetocaloric Heat Exchange Device

ABSTRACT

Various implementations include a magnetic heat exchange device including a magnetocaloric chamber, a magnet, a heating loop, and a cooling loop. The magnetocaloric chamber contains a magnetocaloric material and is configured to transfer heat between the magnetocaloric material and a fluid. The magnet is movable between a first position and a second position. The magnetic field from the magnet interacts with the magnetocaloric material in the first position, and the magnetic field from the magnet does not interact with the magnetocaloric material in the second position. In the heating mode, the magnet is in the first position and the fluid flows through the heating loop and the magnetocaloric chamber. In the cooling mode, the magnet is in the second position and the fluid flows through the cooling loop and the magnetocaloric chamber.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/662,346, filed Apr. 25, 2018, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Existing heating, venting, and air conditioning (“HVAC”) systems utilizing refrigerant are used in many residential and commercial applications. These systems change the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant to cause phase changes in the refrigerant, which causes the refrigerant to absorb heat from a space and then transfer that heat to the atmosphere. However, the refrigerant cycle used in existing HVAC systems is inefficient.

Existing magnetocaloric heat exchange devices also suffer from energy inefficiencies. These devices use mechanical controls or constant timers to switch between cycles, which do not account for other variables affecting the device.

Thus, a need exists for a magnetic heat exchange device that is energy efficient and does not suffer from the control issues of the current magnetic heat exchange device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Example features and implementations are disclosed in the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a magnetic heat exchange device, according to one implementation.

FIG. 2 is a magnified view of the magnetocaloric chamber and magnet of the device of FIG. 1 with the magnet in the second position.

FIG. 3 is a magnified view of the magnetocaloric chamber and magnet of the device of FIG. 1 with the magnet in the first position.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the magnetic heat exchange device controls, according to the implementation of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a magnetic heat exchange device, according to another implementation.

FIG. 6 is an exemplary computer system suitable for implementing one or more controllers.

SUMMARY

Various implementations include a magnetic heat exchange device. The device includes a magnetocaloric chamber, a permanent or electromagnet, a heating loop, and a cooling loop. The magnetocaloric chamber contains a magnetocaloric material. The magnetocaloric chamber is configured to transfer heat between the magnetocaloric material and a fluid. The magnet is movable between a first position and a second position. A magnetic field from the magnet interacts with the magnetocaloric material in the first position, and the magnetic field from the magnet does not interact with the magnetocaloric material in the second position. The heating loop has a first heat exchanger configured to transfer heat from the fluid to an atmosphere when the device is in a heating mode. The cooling loop has a second heat exchanger configured to transfer heat to the fluid from the atmosphere when the device is in a cooling mode. In the heating mode, the magnet is in the first position and the fluid flows through the heating loop and the magnetocaloric chamber. In the cooling mode, the magnet is in the second position and the fluid flows through the cooling loop and the magnetocaloric chamber.

In some implementations, the device also includes a bypass loop. When in a bypass mode, the fluid flows through the bypass loop and the magnetocaloric chamber.

In some implementations, the device also includes programmable controller. The controller is configured to move the magnet between the first position and the second position and control the flow of fluid through the heating loop and the cooling loop.

In some implementations, the device also includes comprising at least one valve, wherein the at least one valve is configured to control the flow of fluid through the heating loop and the cooling loop.

In some implementations the device also includes an actuator. The actuator is configured to move the first magnet between the first position and the second position.

In some implementations, the magnet is a permanent magnet.

In some implementations, the magnetocaloric chamber includes at least one magnetocaloric container. The magnetocaloric material is disposed within the magnetocaloric container, and the magnetocaloric material is configured to be in fluid communication with the fluid.

In some implementations, the magnetocaloric container comprises a mesh. One or more openings defined by the mesh are smaller than the magnetocaloric material.

In some implementations, the heating loop further includes a heating temperature sensor. In some implementations, the cooling loop further comprises a cooling temperature sensor. The controller is configured to switch from the heating mode to the cooling mode in response to a measurement from the heating temperature sensor and switch from the cooling mode to the heating mode in response to a measurement from the cooling temperature sensor.

Various other implementations include a method of cooling a fluid. The method of cooling a fluid includes (1) circulating a fluid through a magnetic heat exchange device, (2) operating the magnetic heat exchange device in the heating mode, and (3) switching the magnetic heat exchange device from heating mode to cooling mode. The magnetic heat exchange device includes a magnetocaloric chamber, a magnet, a heating loop, and a cooling loop. The magnetocaloric chamber contains a magnetocaloric material. The magnetocaloric chamber is configured to transfer heat between the magnetocaloric material and a fluid. The magnet is movable between a first position and a second position. A magnetic field from the magnet interacts with the magnetocaloric material in the first position, and the magnetic field from the magnet does not interact with the magnetocaloric material in the second position. The heating loop has a first heat exchanger configured to transfer heat from the fluid to an atmosphere when the device is in a heating mode. The cooling loop has a second heat exchanger configured to transfer heat to the fluid from the atmosphere when the device is in a cooling mode. In the heating mode, the magnet is in the first position and the fluid flows through the heating loop and the magnetocaloric chamber. In the cooling mode, the magnet is in the second position and the fluid flows through the cooling loop and the magnetocaloric chamber.

In some implementations of the method, the device also includes a bypass loop. In a bypass mode, the fluid flows through the bypass loop and the magnetocaloric chamber. The method also includes operating in the bypass mode before switching the magnetic heat exchange device from heating mode to cooling mode.

In some implementations, the magnetic heat exchange device includes at least one valve. The at least one valve is configured to control the flow of fluid through the heating loop and the cooling loop.

In some implementations, operating the magnetic heat exchange device in the heating mode includes actuating the at least one valve to cause the fluid to flow through the heating loop and the magnetocaloric chamber. In some implementations, operating the magnetic heat exchange device in the cooling mode includes actuating the at least one valve to cause the fluid to flow through the cooling loop and the magnetocaloric chamber.

In some implementations, the magnetic heat exchange device includes at least one valve. The at least one valve is configured to control the flow of fluid through the heating loop and the cooling loop. The bypass mode includes actuating the at least one valve to cause the fluid to flow through the bypass loop and the magnetocaloric chamber.

In some implementations of the method, the device includes a controller configured to move the magnet between the first position and the second position and control the flow of fluid through the heating loop and the cooling loop.

In some implementations of the method, the magnetic heat exchange device includes an actuator configured to move the first magnet between the first position and the second position.

In some implementations of the method, the magnet is a permanent magnet.

In some implementations of the method, the magnetocaloric chamber includes at least one magnetocaloric container. The magnetocaloric material is disposed within the magnetocaloric container and the magnetocaloric material is in fluid communication with the fluid while disposed in the magnetocaloric container.

In some implementations of the method, the magnetocaloric container includes a mesh. One or more openings defined by the mesh are smaller than the magnetocaloric material.

In some implementations of the method, the heating loop includes a heating temperature sensor and the cooling loop includes a cooling temperature sensor. The controller is configured to switch from the heating mode to the cooling mode in response to a measurement from the heating temperature sensor and switch from the cooling mode to the heating mode in response to a measurement from the cooling temperature sensor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The devices, systems, and methods disclosed herein provide for magnetic heat exchange device. The device places a magnetocaloric material within a magnetic field to cause the magnetocaloric material to create heat for a limited time. The heat is transferred to a fluid, which is then transferred to the atmosphere via a first heat exchanger. Once the magnetocaloric material is no longer creating heat, the magnetic field is removed to cause the magnetocaloric material to absorb heat. Heat is transferred from a space to the fluid via a second heat exchanger, which is then transferred to the magnetocaloric material from the fluid. Because heat is removed from the space, the temperature in the space is decreased. The device continues to cycle between providing and removing a magnetic field to the magnetocaloric material to provide cooling to the space.

Various implementations include a magnetic heat exchange device. The device includes a magnetocaloric chamber, a magnet, a heating loop, and a cooling loop. The magnetocaloric chamber contains a magnetocaloric material. The magnetocaloric chamber is configured to transfer heat between the magnetocaloric material and a fluid. The magnet is movable between a first position and a second position. A magnetic field from the magnet interacts with the magnetocaloric material in the first position, and the magnetic field from the magnet does not interact with the magnetocaloric material in the second position. The heating loop has a first heat exchanger configured to transfer heat from the fluid to an atmosphere when the device is in a heating mode. The cooling loop has a second heat exchanger configured to transfer heat to the fluid from the atmosphere when the device is in a cooling mode. In the heating mode, the magnet is in the first position and the fluid flows through the heating loop and the magnetocaloric chamber. In the cooling mode, the magnet is in the second position and the fluid flows through the cooling loop and the magnetocaloric chamber.

Various other implementations include a method of cooling a fluid. The method of cooling a fluid includes (1) circulating a fluid through a magnetic heat exchange device, (2) operating the magnetic heat exchange device in the heating mode, and (3) switching the magnetic heat exchange device from heating mode to cooling mode. The magnetic heat exchange device includes a magnetocaloric chamber, a magnet, a heating loop, and a cooling loop. The magnetocaloric chamber contains a magnetocaloric material. The magnetocaloric chamber is configured to transfer heat between the magnetocaloric material and a fluid. The magnet is movable between a first position and a second position. A magnetic field from the magnet interacts with the magnetocaloric material in the first position, and the magnetic field from the magnet does not interact with the magnetocaloric material in the second position. The heating loop has a first heat exchanger configured to transfer heat from the fluid to an atmosphere when the device is in a heating mode. The cooling loop has a second heat exchanger configured to transfer heat to the fluid from the atmosphere when the device is in a cooling mode. In the heating mode, the magnet is in the first position and the fluid flows through the heating loop and the magnetocaloric chamber. In the cooling mode, the magnet is in the second position and the fluid flows through the cooling loop and the magnetocaloric chamber.

FIG. 1 shows a magnetic heat exchange device 100. The device 100 includes a magnetocaloric chamber 102, a magnet 104, a heating loop 106, a cooling loop 108, control valves 110, and a controller 112.

FIG. 2 shows a magnified view of the magnetocaloric chamber 102. The magnetocaloric chamber 102 defines a cavity 202, an input port 206 extending into the cavity 202, and an output port 204 extending into the cavity 202. The cavity 202 includes a divider system 202 a and magnetocaloric containers 202 b containing a magnetocaloric material 202 c.

The divider 202 a shown in FIG. 2 is a thin strip of stainless steel that has been bent into a sinuous shape. When the divider 202 a is disposed within the cavity 202, the inner walls of the cavity 202 and the divider 202 a create three compartments 202 d. The divider 202 a defines openings 202 aa that are located such that fluid, such as water, entering the cavity 202 through the input port 206 must flow from one end of a compartment 202 d to the opposite end of the compartment 202 d before flowing through an opening 202 aa and into another compartment 202 d, continuing this pattern of flow path until the fluid eventually exits the cavity 202 through the output port 204. Although the divider 202 a shown in FIG. 2 has a sinuous shape defining the compartments 202 d, in other implementations, the divider can be a plurality of divider pieces arranged to define compartments or the magnetocaloric chamber does not include a divider. In other implementations, the divider is manufactured from aluminum, a plastic, glass, or any other material that will not deteriorate or corrode in the presence of water.

The magnetocaloric containers 202 b are disposed within the compartments 202 d defined by the divider 202 a and cavity 202 inner walls. The magnetocaloric containers 202 b are manufactured from a mesh material 203 that defines a plurality of openings 203 a. The openings 203 a in the mesh 203 are sized such that the openings 203 a are smaller than the individual pieces of magnetocaloric material 202 c contained inside the magnetocaloric containers 202 b. Thus, while fluid can flow through the openings 203 a defined by the magnetocaloric container 202 b and between the pieces of magnetocaloric material 202 c, the magnetocaloric material 202 c cannot pass through the openings defined by the magnetocaloric container 202 b. The magnetocaloric material in FIGS. 1 and 2 is La(Fe_(x)Co_(y)Si_(1-x-y))₁₃, but in other implementations, the magnetocaloric material is hydrides of La(Fe_(x)Co_(y)Si_(1-x-y))₁₃, MnFeAsP, La(FeAl)₁₃, FeRh, Heusler Alloys, Re₅(Si_(x)Ge_(1-x))₅, MnAs, Lanthanum Manganites, or any ferromagnetic material undergoing magnetic transition close to room temperature.

Because the fluid in the magnetocaloric chamber 102 flows through the magnetocaloric containers 202 b and is in fluid communication with the magnetocaloric material 202 c, the fluid acts as a heat transfer medium for heat produced or absorbed by the magnetocaloric material 202 c, as discussed below.

The magnet 104 is coupled to an actuator 116 configured to move the magnet 104 from a first position to a second position. The magnet 104 is closer to the magnetocaloric material 202 c in the first position than in the second position. When the magnet 104 is in the first position, as shown in FIG. 3, the magnetic field from the magnet 104 interacts with the magnetocaloric material 202 c. When the magnet 104 is in the second position, as shown in FIG. 2, the magnetic field from the magnet 104 does not interact with the magnetocaloric material 202 c. The magnet 104 shown in FIGS. 1-3 is NdFeB—N50. The actuator 116 shown in FIGS. 1-3 is a linear actuator having a cylinder coupled to a base and a piston rod coupled to the magnet. Although the magnet 104 shown in FIGS. 1-3 is a permanent magnet, in other implementations, the magnet 104 can be an electromagnet or any other material capable of producing a magnetic field. In some implementations, the magnet is SmCo or any other hard magnetic materials with energy product higher than 30 MGOe. In some implementations, the magnet is in an array to maximize the magnetic flux of the magnet, such as in a Halbach array. In some implementations, the arrays includes high permeability ferromagnetic materials in an inner part of the arrays.

The alternation of the position of the magnet 104 between the first position and the second position while the flowing fluid acts as a heat exchange medium creates a magnetic cooling cycle. When the magnet 104 is moved from the second position to the first position, the magnetocaloric material 202 c enters the adiabatic magnetization phase of the magnetic cooling cycle, as discussed below.

In the first phase of the magnetic cooling cycle (the adiabatic magnetization phase), the magnetocaloric material 202 c is quickly magnetized while the total entropy of the magnetocaloric material 202 c ΔS_(T) remains constant. The increase in magnetic order causes an increase in the atomic order given by a lattice entropy change ΔS_(L). This leads to a decrease in the magnetic entropy ΔS_(M) of the magnetic system and an increase in the temperature ΔT of the magnetocaloric material 202 c.

In the second phase of the magnetic cooling cycle (the isomagnetic cooling phase), the magnet 104 remains in the first position such that the magnetocaloric material 202 c continues to interact with the magnetic field of the magnet 104 while the fluid continues to flow around the magnetocaloric material 202 c. The heat is transferred from the magnetocaloric material 202 c to the fluid, which cools the temperature of the magnetocaloric material 202 c and heats the fluid.

In the third phase (the adiabatic demagnetization phase), the magnet 104 is moved from the first position to the second position such that the magnetic field of the magnet 104 is removed from the magnetocaloric material 202 c. Because the total entropy of the magnetocaloric material 202 c ΔS_(T) remains constant in the adiabatic system, the decrease in magnetic order causes a decrease in the atomic order given by a lattice entropy change ΔS_(L). This leads to an increase in the magnetic entropy ΔS_(M) of the magnetic system and a decrease in the temperature ΔT of the magnetocaloric material 202 c.

In the fourth phase (the isomagnetic heating phase), the magnet 104 remains in the second position while the fluid continues to flow around the magnetocaloric material 202 c. Heat is transferred from the fluid to the magnetocaloric material 202 c, which heats the temperature of the magnetocaloric material 202 c and cools the fluid.

The device 100 also includes a chamber valve 102 a and a chamber temperature sensor 102 b. The chamber valve 102 a is a 3-way valve configured to allow the flow of fluid from the heating loop 106 or cooling loop 108 to the magnetocaloric chamber 102, while isolating the other of the heating loop 106 or cooling loop 108. The chamber temperature sensor 102 b measures the temperature of the fluid returning to the magnetocaloric chamber 102.

The heating loop 106 includes a first heat exchanger 106 a, a heating loop pump 106 b, a heating loop valve 106 c, and a heating temperature sensor 106 d. The first heat exchanger 106 a includes coils through which the fluid flows such that the heat from the fluid can be transferred from the fluid to the atmosphere. The heating loop pump 106 b causes the fluid to flow through the heating loop 106. The heating temperature sensor 106 d is located upstream from the first heat exchanger 106 a to measure the temperature of the fluid flowing from the magnetocaloric chamber 102. The heating loop valve 106 c is a three-way valve used to isolate the heating loop 106 such that the fluid flows from the magnetocaloric chamber 102 where the fluid is heated, through the heating loop 106, and back to the magnetocaloric chamber 102. Because the heated fluid flows through the first heat exchanger 106 a in the heating loop 106 and transfers heat from the fluid to the atmosphere, the fluid is cooled before returning to the magnetocaloric chamber 102 to receive more heat from the magnetocaloric material 202 c.

The cooling loop 108 includes a second heat exchanger 108 a, a cooling loop pump 108 b, a cooling loop valve 108 c, and a cooling temperature sensor 108 d. The second heat exchanger 108 a includes coils through which the fluid flows such that the heat from the space in which the second heat exchanger 108 a is located can be transferred from space to the fluid. The cooling loop pump 108 b causes the fluid to flow through the cooling loop 108. The cooling temperature sensor 108 d is located upstream from the second heat exchanger 108 a to measure the temperature of the fluid flowing from the magnetocaloric chamber 102. The cooling loop valve 108 c is a three-way valve used to isolate the cooling loop 108 such that the fluid flows from the magnetocaloric chamber 102 where the fluid transfers heat to the magnetocaloric material 202 c, through the cooling loop 108, and back to the magnetocaloric chamber 102. The cooled fluid flowing through the second heat exchanger 108 a in the cooling loop 108 absorbs heat from the space, causing the space to be cooled. The fluid, being warmed by the space, flows back to the magnetocaloric chamber 102 to transfer the heat from the space to the magnetocaloric material 202 c.

Although the device 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes a heating loop valve 106 c and a cooling loop valve 108 c, in other implementations, the device 100 includes a single valve to cause the fluid to flow through the heating loop 106, the cooling loop 108, or a bypass loop 114. In some implementations, the device 100 includes only one temperature sensor to measure the temperature of the fluid exiting the magnetocaloric chamber 102 and the chamber temperature sensor 102 b to measure the temperature of the fluid returning to the magnetocaloric chamber 102. In some implementations, the device 100 includes only one pump for causing the fluid to flow through the heating loop 106, the cooling loop 108, or the bypass loop 114.

The device 100 shown in FIG. 1 is also configured to include a bypass loop 114. The bypass loop 114 allows the fluid to flow through the magnetocaloric chamber 102 without passing through either of the heating loop 106 or cooling loop 108. The bypass loop 114 can be utilized by actuating the heating loop valve 106 c and the cooling loop valve 108 c such that fluid does not enter either of the heating loop 106 or cooling loop 108. The chamber valve 102 a is then actuated to either the heating loop 106 or cooling loop 108 such that the fluid flows from the magnetocaloric chamber 102, through the bypass loop 114, and back to the magnetocaloric chamber 102.

The controller 112 has inputs to receive measurement signals from the various temperature sensors and output signals to control the actuation of the magnet 104 and the various valves. By controlling the actuation of the valves and the magnet 104, the device 100 can alternate between a heating mode, a cooling mode, and a bypass mode. In some implementations, the controller also includes inputs for user controls or other sensors to measure other conditions to maximize efficiency, such as environmental temperature sensor(s), temperature sensors to measure the temperature of the space(s) to be cooled, pressure sensor(s), or timer(s). FIG. 4 shows a flow chart 400 of the operations of the device 100 shown in FIGS. 1-3.

In heating mode, the controller 112 actuates the actuator 116 to move the magnet 104 to the first position to introduce a magnetic field to the magnetocaloric material 202 c and actuates the heating loop valve 106 c and the chamber valve 102 a such that the fluid flows through the heating loop 106 and the magnetocaloric chamber 102, as shown in block 402. When the magnet 104 is actuated from the second position to the first position, the heat generated by the magnetocaloric material 202 c in the presence of the magnetic field from the magnet 104 is transferred to the fluid. As the fluid is pumped by the heating loop pump 106 b through the heating loop 106, the heating temperature sensor 106 d measures the temperature of the fluid exiting the magnetocaloric chamber 102 and sends a heating temperature measurement to the controller 112. The fluid is then pumped by the heating loop pump 106 b to the first heat exchanger 106 a, and the heat from the fluid is transferred to the atmosphere. As the fluid flows back to the magnetocaloric chamber 102, the chamber temperature sensor 102 b measures the temperature of the fluid returning to the magnetocaloric chamber 102 and sends a chamber temperature measurement to the controller 112. Over time, the magnetocaloric material 202 c in the presence of the magnetic field no longer produces heat, and the temperature of the fluid and the temperature of the magnetocaloric material 202 c begin to reach equilibrium. When the temperature measured by the heating temperature sensor 106 d is within a predetermined temperature difference from the temperature measured by the chamber temperature sensor 102 b, as shown in block 404, the controller 112 switches the device 100 from heating mode to bypass mode.

In the bypass mode after heating mode, as shown in block 406, the controller 112 actuates the actuator 116 to move the magnet 104 from the first position to the second position and actuates the heating loop valve 106 c closed such that the fluid flows through the bypass loop 114 and the magnetocaloric chamber 102. The bypass loop 114 is used so that heated fluid from heating mode does not flow through the cooling loop 108 before the magnet 104 is fully actuated to the second position and the magnetocaloric material 202 c begins to absorb heat. Once the magnet 104 has fully actuated to the second position, as shown in block 408, the controller 112 switches the device 100 from bypass mode to cooling mode.

In cooling mode, shown in block 410, the controller 112 actuates the actuator 116 to move the magnet 104 to the second position to remove the magnetic field from the magnetocaloric material 202 c and actuates the cooling loop valve 108 c and the chamber valve 102 a such that the fluid flows through the cooling loop 108 and the magnetocaloric chamber 102. When the magnet 104 is actuated from the first position to the second position, the magnetocaloric material 202 c begins absorbing heat from the fluid in the absence of the magnetic field. As the fluid is pumped by the cooling loop pump 108 b through the cooling loop 108, the cooling temperature sensor 108 d measures the temperature of the fluid exiting the magnetocaloric chamber 102 and sends a cooling temperature measurement to the controller 112. The fluid is then pumped by the cooling loop pump 108 b to the second heat exchanger 108 a, and the heat from the space in which the second heat exchanger 108 a is disposed is transferred to the fluid. As the fluid flows back to the magnetocaloric chamber 102, the chamber temperature sensor 102 b measures the temperature of the fluid returning to the magnetocaloric chamber 102 and sends a chamber temperature measurement to the controller 112. Over time, the magnetocaloric material 202 c in the absence of the magnetic field no longer absorbs heat, and the temperature of the fluid and the temperature of the magnetocaloric material 202 c begin to reach equilibrium. When the temperature measured by the cooling temperature sensor 108 d is within a predetermined temperature difference from the temperature measured by the chamber temperature sensor 102 b, as shown in block 412, the controller 112 switches the device 100 from cooling mode back to bypass mode.

In the bypass mode after cooling mode, shown in block 414, the controller 112 actuates the actuator 116 to move the magnet 104 from the second position back to the first position and actuates the cooling loop valve 108 c closed such that the fluid flows through the bypass loop 114 and the magnetocaloric chamber 102. The bypass loop 114 is used so that cooled fluid from cooling mode does not flow through the heating loop 106 before the magnet 104 is fully actuated to the first position and the magnetocaloric material 202 c begins to produce heat again. Once the magnet 104 has fully actuated to the first position, as shown in block 416, the controller 112 switches the device 100 from bypass mode to heating mode, as shown in block 402. This cycle continues such that heat is removed from the space during the periodic cooling modes.

FIG. 5 shows another implementation of a magnetic heat exchange device 500, but the implementation shown in FIG. 5 does not include a bypass loop and includes only one pump 501 to cause the fluid to flow through the magnetocaloric chamber 502, the heating loop 506, and the cooling loop 508. Similar reference numbers to those used in the device 500 shown in FIGS. 1-3 are used to denote similar features in the device 500 shown in FIG. 5. Because the device 500 shown in FIG. 5 does not include a bypass loop, the controller 512 of the device 500 operates the device 500 to switch between heating mode and cooling mode.

It should be appreciated that the logical operations described herein with respect to the various figures may be implemented (1) as a sequence of computer implemented acts or program modules (i.e., software) running on a computing device (e.g., the computing device described in FIG. 6), (2) as interconnected machine logic circuits or circuit modules (i.e., hardware) within the computing device and/or (3) a combination of software and hardware of the computing device. Thus, the logical operations discussed herein are not limited to any specific combination of hardware and software. The implementation is a matter of choice dependent on the performance and other requirements of the computing device. Accordingly, the logical operations described herein are referred to variously as operations, structural devices, acts, or modules. These operations, structural devices, acts and modules may be implemented in software, in firmware, in special purpose digital logic, and any combination thereof. It should also be appreciated that more or fewer operations may be performed than shown in the figures and described herein. These operations may also be performed in a different order than those described herein.

Referring to FIG. 6, an example computing device 600 upon which embodiments of the invention may be implemented is illustrated. For example, one or more of the controller 112 and the controller 512 described herein may each be implemented as a computing device, such as computing device 600. It should be understood that the example computing device 600 is only one example of a suitable computing environment upon which embodiments of the invention may be implemented. Optionally, the computing device 600 can be a well-known computing system including, but not limited to, personal computers, servers, handheld or laptop devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based systems, network personal computers (PCs), minicomputers, mainframe computers, embedded systems, and/or distributed computing environments including a plurality of any of the above systems or devices. Distributed computing environments enable remote computing devices, which are connected to a communication network or other data transmission medium, to perform various tasks. In the distributed computing environment, the program modules, applications, and other data may be stored on local and/or remote computer storage media.

In an embodiment, the computing device 600 may comprise two or more computers in communication with each other that collaborate to perform a task. For example, but not by way of limitation, an application may be partitioned in such a way as to permit concurrent and/or parallel processing of the instructions of the application. Alternatively, the data processed by the application may be partitioned in such a way as to permit concurrent and/or parallel processing of different portions of a data set by the two or more computers. In an embodiment, virtualization software may be employed by the computing device 600 to provide the functionality of a number of servers that is not directly bound to the number of computers in the computing device 600. For example, virtualization software may provide twenty virtual servers on four physical computers. In an embodiment, the functionality disclosed above may be provided by executing the application and/or applications in a cloud computing environment. Cloud computing may comprise providing computing services via a network connection using dynamically scalable computing resources. Cloud computing may be supported, at least in part, by virtualization software. A cloud computing environment may be established by an enterprise and/or may be hired on an as-needed basis from a third party provider. Some cloud computing environments may comprise cloud computing resources owned and operated by the enterprise as well as cloud computing resources hired and/or leased from a third party provider.

In its most basic configuration, computing device 600 typically includes at least one processing unit 620 and system memory 630. Depending on the exact configuration and type of computing device, system memory 630 may be volatile (such as random access memory (RAM)), non-volatile (such as read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, etc.), or some combination of the two. This most basic configuration is illustrated in FIG. 6 by dashed line 610. The processing unit 620 may be a standard programmable processor that performs arithmetic and logic operations necessary for operation of the computing device 600. While only one processing unit 620 is shown, multiple processors may be present. Thus, while instructions may be discussed as executed by a processor, the instructions may be executed simultaneously, serially, or otherwise executed by one or multiple processors. The computing device 600 may also include a bus or other communication mechanism for communicating information among various components of the computing device 600.

Computing device 600 may have additional features/functionality. For example, computing device 600 may include additional storage such as removable storage 640 and non-removable storage 650 including, but not limited to, magnetic or optical disks or tapes. Computing device 600 may also contain network connection(s) 680 that allow the device to communicate with other devices such as over the communication pathways described herein. The network connection(s) 680 may take the form of modems, modem banks, Ethernet cards, universal serial bus (USB) interface cards, serial interfaces, token ring cards, fiber distributed data interface (FDDI) cards, wireless local area network (WLAN) cards, radio transceiver cards such as code division multiple access (CDMA), global system for mobile communications (GSM), long-term evolution (LTE), worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX), and/or other air interface protocol radio transceiver cards, and other well-known network devices. Computing device 600 may also have input device(s) 670 such as a keyboards, keypads, switches, dials, mice, track balls, touch screens, voice recognizers, card readers, paper tape readers, or other well-known input devices. Output device(s) 660 such as a printers, video monitors, liquid crystal displays (LCDs), touch screen displays, displays, speakers, etc. may also be included. The additional devices may be connected to the bus in order to facilitate communication of data among the components of the computing device 600. All these devices are well known in the art and need not be discussed at length here.

The processing unit 620 may be configured to execute program code encoded in tangible, computer-readable media. Tangible, computer-readable media refers to any media that is capable of providing data that causes the computing device 600 (i.e., a machine) to operate in a particular fashion. Various computer-readable media may be utilized to provide instructions to the processing unit 620 for execution. Example tangible, computer-readable media may include, but is not limited to, volatile media, non-volatile media, removable media and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. System memory 630, removable storage 640, and non-removable storage 650 are all examples of tangible, computer storage media. Example tangible, computer-readable recording media include, but are not limited to, an integrated circuit (e.g., field-programmable gate array or application-specific IC), a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a floppy disk, a magnetic tape, a holographic storage medium, a solid-state device, RAM, ROM, electrically erasable program read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices.

It is fundamental to the electrical engineering and software engineering arts that functionality that can be implemented by loading executable software into a computer can be converted to a hardware implementation by well-known design rules. Decisions between implementing a concept in software versus hardware typically hinge on considerations of stability of the design and numbers of units to be produced rather than any issues involved in translating from the software domain to the hardware domain. Generally, a design that is still subject to frequent change may be preferred to be implemented in software, because re-spinning a hardware implementation is more expensive than re-spinning a software design. Generally, a design that is stable that will be produced in large volume may be preferred to be implemented in hardware, for example in an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), because for large production runs the hardware implementation may be less expensive than the software implementation. Often a design may be developed and tested in a software form and later transformed, by well-known design rules, to an equivalent hardware implementation in an application specific integrated circuit that hardwires the instructions of the software. In the same manner as a machine controlled by a new ASIC is a particular machine or apparatus, likewise a computer that has been programmed and/or loaded with executable instructions may be viewed as a particular machine or apparatus.

In an example implementation, the processing unit 620 may execute program code stored in the system memory 630. For example, the bus may carry data to the system memory 630, from which the processing unit 620 receives and executes instructions. The data received by the system memory 630 may optionally be stored on the removable storage 640 or the non-removable storage 650 before or after execution by the processing unit 620.

It should be understood that the various techniques described herein may be implemented in connection with hardware or software or, where appropriate, with a combination thereof. Thus, the methods and apparatuses of the presently disclosed subject matter, or certain aspects or portions thereof, may take the form of program code (i.e., instructions) embodied in tangible media, such as floppy diskettes, CD-ROMs, hard drives, or any other machine-readable storage medium wherein, when the program code is loaded into and executed by a machine, such as a computing device, the machine becomes an apparatus for practicing the presently disclosed subject matter. In the case of program code execution on programmable computers, the computing device generally includes a processor, a storage medium readable by the processor (including volatile and non-volatile memory and/or storage elements), at least one input device, and at least one output device. One or more programs may implement or utilize the processes described in connection with the presently disclosed subject matter, e.g., through the use of an application programming interface (API), reusable controls, or the like. Such programs may be implemented in a high level procedural or object-oriented programming language to communicate with a computer system. However, the program(s) can be implemented in assembly or machine language, if desired. In any case, the language may be a compiled or interpreted language and it may be combined with hardware implementations.

Embodiments of the methods and systems may be described herein with reference to block diagrams and flowchart illustrations of methods, systems, apparatuses and computer program products. It will be understood that each block of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, respectively, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be loaded onto a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus create a means for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart block or blocks.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including computer-readable instructions for implementing the function specified in the flowchart block or blocks. The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process such that the instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart block or blocks.

Accordingly, blocks of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations support combinations of means for performing the specified functions, combinations of steps for performing the specified functions and program instruction means for performing the specified functions. It will also be understood that each block of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based computer systems that perform the specified functions or steps, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

A number of example implementations are provided herein. However, it is understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure herein. As used in the specification, and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term “comprising” and variations thereof as used herein is used synonymously with the term “including” and variations thereof and are open, non-limiting terms. Although the terms “comprising” and “including” have been used herein to describe various implementations, the terms “consisting essentially of” and “consisting of” can be used in place of “comprising” and “including” to provide for more specific implementations and are also disclosed.

Disclosed are materials, systems, devices, methods, compositions, and components that can be used for, can be used in conjunction with, can be used in preparation for, or are products of the disclosed methods, systems, and devices. These and other components are disclosed herein, and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc. of these components are disclosed that while specific reference of each various individual and collective combinations and permutations of these components may not be explicitly disclosed, each is specifically contemplated and described herein. For example, if a device is disclosed and discussed each and every combination and permutation of the device, and the modifications that are possible are specifically contemplated unless specifically indicated to the contrary. Likewise, any subset or combination of these is also specifically contemplated and disclosed. This concept applies to all aspects of this disclosure including, but not limited to, steps in methods using the disclosed systems or devices. Thus, if there are a variety of additional steps that can be performed, it is understood that each of these additional steps can be performed with any specific method steps or combination of method steps of the disclosed methods, and that each such combination or subset of combinations is specifically contemplated and should be considered disclosed. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A magnetic heat exchange device comprising: a magnetocaloric chamber containing a magnetocaloric material, wherein the magnetocaloric chamber is configured to transfer heat between the magnetocaloric material and a fluid; a magnet movable between a first position and a second position, wherein a magnetic field from the magnet interacts with the magnetocaloric material in the first position and the magnetic field from the magnet does not interact with the magnetocaloric material in the second position; a heating loop having a first heat exchanger configured to transfer heat from the fluid to an atmosphere when the device is in a heating mode; and a cooling loop having a second heat exchanger configured to transfer heat to the fluid from the atmosphere when the device is in a cooling mode, wherein, in the heating mode, the magnet is in the first position and the fluid flows through the heating loop and the magnetocaloric chamber, and wherein, in the cooling mode, the magnet is in the second position and the fluid flows through the cooling loop and the magnetocaloric chamber.
 2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a bypass loop, wherein, in a bypass mode, the fluid flows through the bypass loop and the magnetocaloric chamber.
 3. The device of claim 1, further comprising a controller configured to move the magnet between the first position and the second position and control the flow of fluid through the heating loop and the cooling loop.
 4. The device of claim 1, further comprising at least one valve, wherein the at least one valve is configured to control the flow of fluid through the heating loop and the cooling loop.
 5. The device of claim 1, further comprising an actuator configured to move the first magnet between the first position and the second position.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein the magnet is a permanent magnet.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein the magnetocaloric chamber comprises at least one magnetocaloric container, wherein the magnetocaloric material is disposed within the magnetocaloric container and the magnetocaloric material is configured to be in fluid communication with the fluid.
 8. The device of claim 7, wherein the magnetocaloric container comprises a mesh, wherein one or more openings defined by the mesh are smaller than the magnetocaloric material.
 9. The device of claim 3, wherein the heating loop further comprises a heating temperature sensor and the cooling loop further comprises a cooling temperature sensor, wherein the controller is configured to switch from the heating mode to the cooling mode in response to a measurement from the heating temperature sensor and switch from the cooling mode to the heating mode in response to a measurement from the cooling temperature sensor.
 10. A method of cooling a fluid comprising: circulating a fluid through a magnetic heat exchange device, the magnetic heat exchange device comprising: a magnetocaloric chamber containing a magnetocaloric material, wherein the magnetocaloric chamber is configured to transfer heat between the magnetocaloric material and a fluid, a magnet movable between a first position and a second position, wherein a magnetic field from the magnet interacts with the magnetocaloric material in the first position and the magnetic field from the magnet does not interact with the magnetocaloric material in the second position, a heating loop having a first heat exchanger configured to transfer heat from the fluid to an atmosphere when the device is in a heating mode, and a cooling loop having a second heat exchanger configured to transfer heat to the fluid from the atmosphere when the device is in a cooling mode, wherein, in the heating mode, the magnet is in the first position and the fluid flows through the heating loop and the magnetocaloric chamber, and wherein, in the cooling mode, the magnet is in the second position and the fluid flows through the cooling loop and the magnetocaloric chamber; operating the magnetic heat exchange device in the heating mode; and switching the magnetic heat exchange device from heating mode to cooling mode.
 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising a bypass loop, wherein, in a bypass mode, the fluid flows through the bypass loop and the magnetocaloric chamber, wherein the method further comprises: operating in the bypass mode before switching the magnetic heat exchange device from heating mode to cooling mode.
 12. The method of claim 10, wherein the magnetic heat exchange device further comprises at least one valve, wherein the at least one valve is configured to control the flow of fluid through the heating loop and the cooling loop.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein: operating the magnetic heat exchange device in the heating mode further comprises actuating the at least one valve to cause the fluid to flow through the heating loop and the magnetocaloric chamber; and operating the magnetic heat exchange device in the cooling mode further comprises actuating the at least one valve to cause the fluid to flow through the cooling loop and the magnetocaloric chamber.
 14. The method of claim 11, wherein the magnetic heat exchange device further comprises at least one valve, wherein the at least one valve is configured to control the flow of fluid through the heating loop and the cooling loop, wherein the bypass mode further comprises actuating the at least one valve to cause the fluid to flow through the bypass loop and the magnetocaloric chamber.
 15. The method of claim 10, further comprising a controller configured to move the magnet between the first position and the second position and control the flow of fluid through the heating loop and the cooling loop.
 16. The method of claim 10, wherein the magnetic heat exchange device further comprises an actuator configured to move the first magnet between the first position and the second position.
 17. The method of claim 10, wherein the magnet is a permanent magnet.
 18. The method of claim 10, wherein the magnetocaloric chamber comprises at least one magnetocaloric container, wherein the magnetocaloric material is disposed within the magnetocaloric container and the magnetocaloric material is in fluid communication with the fluid while disposed in the magnetocaloric container.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the magnetocaloric container comprises a mesh, wherein one or more openings defined by the mesh are smaller than the magnetocaloric material.
 20. The method of claim 15, wherein the heating loop further comprises a heating temperature sensor and the cooling loop further comprises a cooling temperature sensor, wherein the controller is configured to switch from the heating mode to the cooling mode in response to a measurement from the heating temperature sensor and switch from the cooling mode to the heating mode in response to a measurement from the cooling temperature sensor. 